About us

The Office of International Affairs Amsterdam UMC was established to facilitate and strengthen international connections. Whether you are a student looking to study abroad, a researcher looking for collaborations, or a specialist looking to orient and position yourself internationally – we are here to support you.

Our core values

Making our international network accessible to all.

Creating a global community where everyone feels welcome.

Exploring new opportunities and fostering existing international collaborations.

Hans Meij

Vice-Dean International Affairs

Professor Hans Meij is a very experienced executive and researcher with more than 45 years of experience in healthcare. He worked in all areas of healthcare and is an expert in strategy development for hospitals and international academic networks.

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Hans is a medical anthropologist by training (1992 VU, Amsterdam), obtained his MBA in hospital management in 1996 and obtained his MD/PhD in 2008 focusing on the genetic background of healthy longevity and ageing in rural Africa (thesis: “Testing life history theory in a contemporary African population”, Garu Ghana/ Leiden the Netherlands). He was co- founder of the Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing (2008-2010), member of the Executive Board of the Amphia Hospital, Breda (2010 – 2016) one of the biggest healthcare facilities in The Netherlands, and the inaugural director of the Academic Network around the University of Melbourne, Australia (2016 – 2019). In 2019 he joined Amsterdam UMC as head of the Department of Human Genetics and from 2020 – 2024 also as division chair for outpatients and ambulatory care. He started his work on International Affairs in 2024. Currently, he is also Professor of Medicine at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, where he co-founded and leads the Academy for Healthy Longevity. Hans lives in Zoeterwoude (NL) and Singapore, together with his wife Andrea Maier and their dog Fritz.

Rob van der Kolk

Director Office of International Affairs

After an international career in business as a manager and consultant, Rob van der Kolk has now been working with great enthusiasm in healthcare for more than fifteen years. First as an independent entrepreneur and then as a director at Amsterdam UMC.

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Rob is always trying to see whether we can improve healthcare by starting new partnerships. In collaboration with an American institute, he has set up a European purchasing group. And as a representative of Amsterdam UMC, he has shaped various collaborations with healthcare institutions in de Netherlands. During the Corona pandemic, he was ultimately responsible for the purchase of personal protective equipment on behalf of the Dutch government. This was achieved by setting up a public-private partnership that had full control over the supply chain from Asia.

As director of the office of international affairs, he wants to build on his experience in setting up international partnerships for the Amsterdam UMC.

Zakaria Boumenjal

Trainee Project Manager Office

With a strong background in strategy, organization, and communication, Zakaria serves as Project Manager at Amsterdam UMC, where among other things he focuses on organizational development within the Office of International Affairs.

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His academic journey began with a degree in Human Resources, followed by further studies in Policy, Communication, and Organization. Zakaria then earned a second master’s degree in business administration with a focus on Strategy & Organization, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of both business strategy and operational efficiency.

Driven by a deep curiosity to explore new opportunities, he thrives on seeking out meaningful collaborations that not only align with the goals of Amsterdam UMC but also contribute to advancing global healthcare. With a passion for innovation and improving healthcare systems, Zakaria is always eager to contribute to projects that create impactful, long-term change.

Jose Roest

Office manager International Affairs

With a strong background in strategy, organization, and communication, Zakaria serves as Project Manager at Amsterdam UMC, where among other things he focuses on organizational development within the Office of International Affairs.

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His academic journey began with a degree in Human Resources, followed by further studies in Policy, Communication, and Organization. Zakaria then earned a second master’s degree in business administration with a focus on Strategy & Organization, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of both business strategy and operational efficiency.

Driven by a deep curiosity to explore new opportunities, he thrives on seeking out meaningful collaborations that not only align with the goals of Amsterdam UMC but also contribute to advancing global healthcare. With a passion for innovation and improving healthcare systems, Zakaria is always eager to contribute to projects that create impactful, long-term change.

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Clinic Center

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Collaborations within the past 5 years.

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Funding and Grants

International Mobility

Support in Publication & Knowledge

Networking and Collaborations

International Mobility

Support in Publication & Knowledge

Networking and Collaborations

International Mobility

Support in Publication & Knowledge